John Bacchus Dykes, canon and precentor of Durham Cathedral, Anglican vicar of St. Oswald's, Durham, died on this date in 1876. An accomplished organist from an early age, he is best remembered for his composition of more than 300 hymn tunes. Lux Benigna, the music for the Venerable John Henry Newman's Lead, Kindly Light is his, as is Nicaea, the music for Reginald Heber's great hymn for Trinity Sunday, Holy, Holy, Holy.



On this grim and sorrowful anniversary, we entreat mercy, wisdom, and guidance from the Author of life. We pray for the turning of hearts to Him, to the Lord, to Jesus, our Good Master.



Jesu, Magister Bone, the music of Rev. John Dykes, is the tune for Samuel Stone's hymn O Thou, Before Whose Presence.



O Thou before Whose presence naught evil may come in,

Yet Who dost look in mercy down on this world of sin,

O give us noble purpose to set the sin bound free,

And Christlike tender pity to seek the lost for Thee.



Fierce is our subtle foeman: the forces at his hand

With woes that none can number despoil the pleasant land;

All they who war against them, in strife so keen and long,

Must in their Savior’s armor be stronger than the strong.



So hast Thou wrought among us the great things that we see!

For things that are we thank Thee, and for the things to be.

For bright hope is uplifting faint hands and feeble knees,

To strive beneath Thy blessing for greater things than these.



Lead on, O Love and Mercy, O Purity and Power,

Lead on till peace eternal shall close this battle hour:

Till all who prayed and struggled to set their brethren free,

In triumph meet to praise Thee, most holy Trinity.